I do [want to stay] and I know people will call me crazy for saying that, but I think you need some veteran guys that have been around to help and guide the young guys coming in. I’m okay and would take on that responsibility.

While Phillips would not be the “puck-moving defenseman” the Bruins have pursued for years, he would be a solid addition as a third-pair player that could also combine with Zdeno Chara to shut down top lines. There’s always a chance he changes his mind over the next two weeks before the trade deadline, but at least Boston now knows it might be better off looking elsewhere for defense help.